What is nursery production?
Nurseries grow trees, shrubs, perennials and ornamental plants, either in containers or in the field. Production work covers propagation, potting, pruning, watering, weed control and preparing plants for sale.
Customers include garden centers, landscapers, cities and homeowners. Some nurseries grow native plants for restoration and conservation work.
Landscape nurseries often sell by size and caliper, so accurate measuring, tagging and counting are important parts of the job.
- Propagation, potting and pruning make up much of the indoor and outdoor work
- Irrigation and drainage planning keeps plants alive on large lots
- Shipping crews load trucks and check orders for accuracy
What jobs exist?
Production jobs differ between container nurseries and field nurseries. Both teach plant care and teamwork.
Roles include:
Container nurseries run on irrigation schedules, while field nurseries depend on soil, digging seasons and heavy equipment. Ask which setting you are applying to.
- Propagation worker who starts cuttings and seedlings
- Potting and container crew
- Field digging and balling crew
- Irrigation and fertilizer technician
- Equipment operator and shipping crew
- Pest scout
- Section supervisor or production manager
What does the work involve?
Work is outdoors and physical. Workers lift pots and root balls, operate equipment, prune plants and move stock around large lots. Weather affects schedules, and busy seasons can mean long days.
Quality matters. Plants must be healthy, correctly sized and well labeled, so workers learn plant names, grades and handling methods.
Weather shapes work. Wet ground slows digging, heat stresses plants and cold snaps can require protective measures. Flexibility with hours is part of the job.
What skills help?
Many employers look for willingness to learn and work steadily. Plant knowledge, mechanical ability and driving skills increase your value.
Useful strengths include basic equipment operation, reading orders, careful counting and an interest in plant identification. Math and measurement skills are useful when spacing plants, mixing media and calculating irrigation.
A driver's license matters in many roles, and a commercial license may be required for large trucks. Requirements vary by state, so confirm with your state motor vehicle agency.
- Plant identification and common problems
- Measuring and counting accurately
- Equipment operation and daily checks
- Teamwork and clear communication
What are the safety points?
Equipment, heavy lifting, heat and chemicals are major risks. Ask for training before operating tractors, skid steers or diggers. Chemical use requires training, and licensing rules vary by state, so confirm with your state agency.
Check OSHA and NIOSH materials and ask what protective gear is provided. Youth workers should read the Department of Labor rules on hazardous tasks.
Chemical safety training should include labels, protective gear, storage and emergency steps. Ask to see the written plan for your workplace.
- Never operate diggers, skid steers or tractors without training
- Wear gloves, eye protection and sturdy boots for pruning and lifting
- Learn safe lifting for pots and root balls and ask for help with heavy loads
- Keep chemicals labeled, locked and used only by trained workers
What career paths and pay information exist?
Workers can become crew leads, growers, nursery managers, buyers, sales representatives or owners. Some move into landscape design, arboriculture or garden center management.
For current pay and outlook, check the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, since pay differs by region and role. Ask employers about paid training and equipment certification support.
Entry-level workers who learn to run equipment safely, name plants accurately and lead small crews are often noticed quickly.
- Start as a production worker, then move to a crew lead role
- Study horticulture, landscape design or arboriculture if you want to branch out
- Consider sales, purchasing or garden center management
- Save and plan carefully before starting your own nursery
How can a teen start?
Take horticulture or plant science classes and join FFA. Volunteer at a community garden or help a neighbor with planting. Ask local nurseries about seasonal work, and observe age and hour limits.
Learn 25 common plant names and their needs, and keep a notebook of what you learn. A student who can name plants and work safely makes a strong first impression.
- Visit a local nursery with your ag teacher to see how production works
- Keep a plant notebook with names, sizes and care notes
Your next steps
- Nurseries grow trees, shrubs and ornamental plants for many customers.
- Production jobs build plant, equipment and teamwork skills.
- Heavy lifting and equipment require training and safe habits.
- Check pay in the BLS handbook and confirm license rules by state.
- Plant knowledge and steady work lead to supervisor and grower roles.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Ag Jobs & Careers Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.